Tomatoes are an integral part of our everyday diet. They impart flavor and health to any dish. Their most important constituent, lycopene, is a powerful antioxidant that is known to fight disease.
But excess intake of tomatoes can lead to adverse effects. Also, not everyone is recommended to have them in normal food amounts. In this post, we will cover the different ways tomatoes may harm you (if taken in excess). Keep reading.
Lycopene In Tomatoes
Lycopene is safe in most cases. But lycopene supplements may not be safe during pregnancy. Lycopene can also aggravate the symptoms of prostate cancer.
Lycopene must be used cautiously in patients who have stomach ulcers and other stomach issues. The compound can also cause low blood pressure. Individuals on blood pressure lowering medication must stay away from lycopene.
Lycopene can also increase the risk of bleeding and must be avoided by people with bleeding disorders.
Other side effects related to lycopene intake are chest pain, accumulation of fat under the skin, indigestion, and worsened hot flashes (2).
Lycopene was also found to interact with certain cancer chemotherapy agents (3). Hence, individuals on cancer treatment must exercise caution.
Side Effects Of Tomatoes
1. Acid Reflux/Heartburn
Tomatoes are acidic, and they might cause heartburn (4). Tomatoes are packed with malic and citric acids and can make the stomach produce excessive gastric acid (which is responsible for food breakdown). When the volume of the acid increases, it is forced to flow up the esophagus, causing the symptoms. In fact, even cooking tomatoes may not be of much help.
Tomatoes and tomato sauce are also listed as a couple of foods that may trigger a reflux (5).
Tomatoes may also worsen the symptoms of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) (6). According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it is best to avoid acidic foods like tomatoes to avoid acid reflux symptoms (7).
2. Allergies And Infections
Symptoms of a tomato allergy most often occur immediately after the fruit is consumed. These include hives, skin rashes, eczema, coughing, sneezing, an itching sensation in the throat, and swelling of the face, mouth, and tongue.
According to a Polish study, tomatoes contain a compound called histamine that may cause certain allergic reactions (8).
Tomatoes can also cause allergic contact dermatitis – where your skin becomes severely itchy and swollen after touching the fruit. Tomatoes can also lead to itchy lips. Another possible allergic reaction to do with tomatoes is a red patch around the eyebrows and eyelids (9).
3. Kidney Problems
According to a report published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, individuals with advanced chronic kidney disease must limit their intake of potassium, a mineral tomatoes are rich in (10).
People with severe kidney issues may also be required to limit their intake of tomatoes as they contain a lot of water (11).
High potassium levels in the blood, which is one of the causes of kidney disease, could be dealt with by avoiding tomatoes or tomato sauce or anything made of tomatoes (12). Tomato sauce is also high in oxalate, which is another reason susceptible individuals must steer clear of it (13).
4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Tomatoes, given their irritating skins and seeds, may be one reason for irritable bowel syndrome (14). And if you already have IBS, tomatoes can also trigger bloating.
Tomatoes are also one of the most common food allergens that may cause intestinal problems (15).
Diarrhea can occur in individuals suffering from tomato intolerance.
As per a report published by Longwood University, tomatoes are greasy and acidic and must be avoided during diarrhea (16). And according to another report by the University of Minnesota, tomatoes could be a source of an organism called salmonella that causes diarrhea (17).
6. Excessive Sodium
Ensure you choose lower sodium versions of tomato sauce as most sauces have a high sodium content (18).
Even tomato soup can have too much of sodium. Just one cup of the soup can contain anywhere between 700 to 1,260 mg of sodium (19). Canned tomatoes can contain 220 mg of sodium for every half cup.
7. Lycopenodermia
We know tomatoes are excellent sources of lycopene. This can also be a bane. Excessive intake of lycopene can cause lycopenodermia, which is the deep-orange coloration of the skin. This may not be a health threat, but is surely not very attractive to look at (20).
Lycopenodermia can also occur with excessive consumption of lycopene supplements (21). But worry not – the condition is reversible (22).
8. Urinary Problems
Acidic foods like tomatoes may irritate the bladder and result in urinary incontinence (23). Tomatoes may also cause bladder symptoms, and in certain cases, cystitis (burning sensation in the bladder) (24).
9. Respiratory Problems
People allergic to tomatoes may have difficulty in breathing.
We can also accuse tomatoes of being conducive to mold development – and molds, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, can cause allergies and respiratory problems (25).
10. Acute Gastrointestinal Upset
Since tomatoes are highly acidic, they may cause acute stomach upset if you are already suffering from acid reflux or heartburn.
Tomatoes can also make the stomach produce more acid, which may cause acute gastrointestinal upset (26).
These side effects simply tell us that we must be careful and not consume tomatoes in excess. But that’s not all – there is another set of people that, in this aspect, must practice caution more than anybody else.
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